Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a large-scale, prefabricated, solid engineered wood panel is proving to be a highly advantageous alternative to conventional materials like concrete, masonry, or steel, especially in multi-family and commercial construction.
It is a relatively new sustainable wood product that has been growing in popularity in Europe and is making its way worldwide.
CLT can’t yet compete with stick-frame construction in terms of cost in the US and Canada but inroads are being made here, mostly in tall commercial structures but look for single-family home Architects to start designing more homes with this beautiful and sturdy prefabricated wood product.
Mariotti Building Products
Viking Carrier
PFS Corporation
Prefabricated CLT panels are made from planks of sawn and glued wood, which layered perpendicular to each previous layer to create structural rigidity and resilience in both directions.
CLT is also considered sustainable and is fabricated to specification at a factory, often using CNC (computer numerical control) technologies for precision cuts and less waste.
I think it’s time to add CLT to the other choices the construction industry can use for single-family homes.
Related Articles:
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- Will CLT Make Its Way Into Modular Housing?
- Modcoach’s Offsite “House Of The Week” 9-8-2021
Gary Fleisher is the Managing Editor for the Modular Home Coach blog. Email at modcoach@gmail.com
3 Responses
Modular home in CLT indeed has merit over other materials, due to its light weight for transporting & erecting.
Looking forward to its development.
What is the insulation value of CLT?
Can Electric conduit, water, sewer pipes be installed within the walls and floors while being fabricated?
How would CLT hold up in the heat of Las Vegas? that’s why my question about insulation before.
Thanks
Insulation value of CLT: The lambda value is the same as for wood. So depending on what U-value is needed, you’ll need a 500 mm thick CLT or more to achieve it. The best, would therefore be to insulate the exterior walls with wood fiber insulation. That will give en excellent protection from the heat outside.
In the CLT elements holes etc. for installations are produced in the CNC machine on the factory, but the installations them selves are installed on-site.